I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A cute historical fiction romance. Recommend.

Reading historical romance helped me during the early quarantine where everything seemed so uncertain. So naturally when I was searching titles in NetGalley I could not resist to request an ARC to read "The Earl's Lady Geologist". As I said before, I binged lots and lots of books in the category of historical romance but this one has an unconventional female protagonist so I decided to read it.

Cassandra is a geologist but her interest in this field is dismissed by her aunt who only tries to "guide" her to a more conventional path (a proper marriage, for example). But Cassandra is an outspoken woman who tries to be true to her passion, so she is in the beach looking out for fossils when she meets the Earl of Rothbury, Edward Sinclair. Soon the two will become more closer even if their first encounter didn't impress neither of them. Lord Sinclair shares the same interest as Cassandra, but ofcourse since he is a man he is allowed to take part in the Geological Society. Soon they end up working side by side, while the earl tries to understand Cassandra, more feelings arise among the two of them. I liked how the more cynic side of the Earl changed towards a comprehensive side of him. 'The Earl's Lady Geologist' is my first book by Alissa Baxter and I look forward to more of her books.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC of this book.

Cassie is a strong woman who loves fossils, but not so much Edward who seems really pompous to her in the beginning. While she tried to keep her independence and focus on fossil hunting she is swept off to the marriage mart, but that is the last thing she wants because of some deeply embedded fears. I loved the letters from her mother, they brought so much to the story for me. I really enjoyed this sweet and clean romance.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed reading this book for two reasons. The first it was interesting and had a good plot. The second l enjoy learning about geology. The characters were intriguing and at times funny. There was plenty to keep me interested . Thank you for allowing me to read it.

I enjoyed this historical romance with the two main characters that are Cassandra Linfield and Lord Edward Rothbury, the Earl of Rothbury. And also the rest of the characters to.

Cassandra Linfield is a lady that collects fossil and has decided to not merry anyone. But when circumstances force her in the present of the Earl of Rothbury she might decide to take a chance on marriage.

Lord Edward Rothbury, the Earl of Rothbury has vowed to never love again but when he meets Lady Cassandra Linfield he might change his mind. Plus with spending more time in the present of the Lady might help to.

This was a sweet story to read. There are times that are a little sad but all so happy ones to. I laughed a lot too. There is also a second love story with in and a mystery too.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a sweet read, about Cassie, a girl who is passionate about fossils and geology, and Lord Rothbury, who is a hobby geologist. He soon figures out that it is Cassie whose articles he's admired, written under an assumed name. He asks her to illustrate his latest findings and decides that Cassie would make a fine wife. Cassie has other ideas and isn't that easily convinced

I was personally slightly disappointed that the main story of the book was not enough about the heroine's scientific achievements as I was led to believe by the title of the book. The story was satisfactory and the technical writing was more than adequate, but I found the h's reason for resisting matrimony a little too lightweight and more in the manner of a plot device to provide angst for the development of the romance. I did read to the end, which I will not do if a book doesn't hold my interest, so I will give the story full credit for holding my interest. There seemed to be a bit of a stretch to provide a villain and a rather bleh resolution to provide the villain's comeuppance. It was certainly adequate for a light read to entertain you for a few hours. #NetGalley #TheEarlsLadyGeologist

I loved the main setting for this story, Lyme Regis and the hunt for fossils. Cassandra was a keen and knowledgeable geologist. She was her happiest down in the beach hunting for fossils. Unfortunately, as she was a woman, her writings and discovering would not be taken seriously. Edward, Lord Rathbone is also a keen geologist but he has complete opposite views to Cassandra on women’s role in life. They have a number of heated exchanges but gradually they come to change their views about each other. Cassandra has a fear of marrying, due to past experiences. Will she be able to overcome this? This was an engaging story which reinforced how difficult it was for ladies at this time to engage in work, thought unsuitable for them. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Vinspire Publishing for access to this arc.

This takes me back to the day when trad regencies ruled. There is no sex, the conventions of the day are important and upheld, and some of Cassie’s Season is shown (though not too, too much). I would have enjoyed seeing more actual fossil hunting though Cassie does manage to sneak into a meeting of the Geological Society (dressed as a man and it’s her one moment of rebellion) plus she does a lot of fossil drawing and painting. When Edward reproaches her for dressing as a man (of course he catches her and another cousin who helped her), she is aware of how much damage she could have done her family (and two female cousins not yet “out” in Society). Yes, I actually liked this rather than Cassie getting all defensive and strident and “Well, now I have lived!” about it.

The romance is a slow burn one with Edward initially being quite proper and analytical. Then things sort of dragged. Cassie says “no” and Edward pursues some more, she waffles still more, is emotionally torn and of course just when she’s about to change her mind, Something Happens to bring her fears home again. Now at this point, Edward acts a little bit like a dick and says some things (in the heat of the moment and yes, he is frustrated about losing the woman he knows he loves) that were harsh. Of course twue love prevails and he comes through with a splendid proposal because of course he never stops loving her but – yeah, some harsh things were said.

I do like that Cassie sticks to her guns. Several people in the family (who, in a nice change, are all delightful) talk with her and urge her to reconsider her original choice in life but in the end, it is she who makes the decision rather than yielding to any pressure. I wish there had been more fossils but enjoyed the (RL) tertiary character friends of Cassie who did spend their lives uncovering them. The development of the relationship sagged a touch but it was nice to revisit the style of regencies I cut my teeth on plus we get a heroine who is strong without being anachronistic while doing it. B-

Lyme Regis, England - 1817

Cassy Linfield, 20, enjoys walking the beach looking for fossils. Her friends, Mary and Elizabeth, also enjoy this activity. Cassy’s father was very knowledgeable about fossils and taught Cassy a lot. In addition, she wrote and illustrated many papers for him for the Geologist Society. This was their secret. Her mother passed away years ago after yet another miscarriage. Now, her beloved father has also passed away. Her cousin, Mrs. Linfield lives with her.

On the beach that day, Casey meets a man who introduces himself as Edward, the Earl of Rothbury. He informs her that fossil hunting is not a ladylike activity. He then says her cousin wants her to go home and he escorts her there.

Cassy’s uncle is her guardian until she becomes of age. He insists that she go to London for the season. She has no desire to go and nor does she have any interest in getting married. The thought of dying like her mother in childbirth terrifies her.

While in London, Edward escorts Cassy and her cousins around. Her aunt thinks he would make a good husband for her, but Cassy is not interested. He tends to talk down to her and calls her Mouse. When he proposes to her in an offhand way, she refuses him. Edward continues to escort Cassy and her cousins but she still has no interest in marrying him.

I found this book to be overly long and almost repetitive with too much geology thrown in. While I personally enjoy geology and fossils, I felt like the over abundance could be a turnoff for some readers. In addition, I became somewhat confused about who all of the characters were. I never really saw a romantic connection between Edward and Cassy. I felt he was too bossy and should have looked for someone else leaving Cassy to enjoy her spinsterhood and fossils.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Watching her father at work taught Cassy an interest in geology. Watching her mother's pain following miscarriages, and eventually her death, taught Cassy a fear of marriage. When Lord Rothbury carts her off from her beloved fossil-hunting haunts in Lyme to London for the season, their shared interest in geology draw them together, but she is determined not to marry. When her life ends up in danger, will she realise that living in fear is not really living at all?

This was a new author to me, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. The writing was good and the content clean, and the story kept me reading and enjoying. The characters felt real and the story was not overly predictable (a few times I thought I could work out where things were going and was wrong...), and the geological details were interesting. I particularly appreciated the historical note with details on what was based on fact in regard to the geology side of things. My one quibble is that I was left confused as to the family relationships - but it's possible I just missed something. All in all, a good story and I hope to read more by the author.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Will she doom them to unhappiness by refusing to embrase life fully ...

It was the blurb that intrigued me, I am such a sucker for the scholar/bluestocking trope.
And as I had not yet read the author, it was like landing on a new country.
I read it rather quickly, so entranced to see how the heroine’s predicament would unknot itself.

Cassie has everything all mapped out, only a few months left and she will come in her inheritance and will be free to do as she pleases.
So when she is summoned to London for her dreaded first season, she complies as she has no other choice but warns she is not looking for a husband.
Even when her heart flutters to a much faster rhythm than usual. She so dreads the idea of marriage, she does not allow herself to see what is right in front of her, blind to anything other than her fears.
Edward while judging first Cassie on her cover, rapidly must acknowledge there is more to her than her rather plain features. She is educated, resilient and far more clever than many scholars he knows. Thus he has to rethink his own policy about marriage.
One of convenience with such an intelligent and talented woman would be finally no hardship, if he can convince her of such.

Yet when matter of the heart enters the line, will she let her fears dictate her future and close her heart to any possible love.
While I found Edward a bit conceited at time, he was just like the men of his era, yet more open minded than many as he did not disregard Cassie’s work. And even if he made a mud of things at the beginning, he is a very patient man, trying to give Cassie time and distance to overcome her own grief. Why I was upset at her for overlooking him, and hurting a man who saw her for who she is really, who found beauty in her and her intellect. Choosing the coward path and retreating to the fringes of society instead of living with all its gains and losses.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 some sweet kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Cassandra Linfield is a fossil collector, very much a geologist, despite the fact that being such does not quite fit in the times she lives. She is quite serious as to what she does and cannot imagine any man that would accept this and allow her to continue in her endeavors. When she pursues a deeper avenue regarding her interests, she is thwarted by her nemesis, Edward, The Lord of Rothbury.

Meanwhile, marriage proposals come fast and quick to Cassy. She has no desire to marry, and with very good reason. Why then is she drawn to Lord Rothbury? He share similar interests as he is a geologist himself, but is that enough for Cassy to consider his suit? Then there is the fact that Edward comes with enough baggage to make Cassy firm in her decision to focus on her collection and research.

Would a marriage of convenience suit both Cassy and Edward or will matters of the heart make themselves more than apparent? One thing that I really liked about this book, along with the unconventional career that Cassy has chosen, is the emotional edge the book has. There is something that makes Cassy the woman that she is and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her character. In addition to enjoying both Cassy and Edward in this book, I also quite enjoyed his sister Harriet and his brother James. They were both nice additions to an already enjoyable story.

Lastly, one thing that is always enjoyable when reading a good book is when an Author's Note is included. I loved learning about other women geologists in the 19th century. A very nice bonus.

Many thanks to Vinspire Publishing and HF Virtual Book Tours for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion

“Your thoughts are mirrored in your expression, Mouse. Do you know that? They stream across your face in a most enlightening manner.” —Alissa Baxter, The Earl’s Lady Geologist
The Earl’s Lady Geologist by Alissa Baxter is a highly enjoyable love story that reads like a combination of Jane Austen’s beloved characters and the fossil hunting craze of early 19th century England.

If you’re familiar with my reviews, you know I love smart romance. I love characters who are unashamed of their interests, as well as their knowledge in the fields of study that call to them. Alissa Baxter writes like she’s the brain-child of Jane Austen and Penny Reid, and that is truly high praise from me. The Earl’s Lady Geologist has the feel of a good enemies to lover’s trope, but it’s held within the bounds of respect and decorum of the time period.

As a vehement fan of anything that gives me the slightest flavor of Pride and Prejudice, I adored The Earl’s Lady Geologist for exactly that reason. Cassandra as a character has no reason to marry, in fact, she would utterly prefer to spend the rest of her days on the beaches of Lyme Regis hunting fossils with her friends, writing scholarly papers on her findings and providing scientific sketches to go along with those papers. The fact that she must enter society to find herself a husband is an annoyance to her. The fact that she was whisked away from Lyme Regis in order to do so by a handsome, yet aloof man annoys her further.

Lord Rothbury has put off finding a wife for too long and at the behest of his mother, he feels he must find a woman who will become the countess his title demands. Because Cassy fits his checklist, and has no desire to get married, he concludes their marriage would be mutually beneficial and tells her so…quite bluntly and without finesse. From that point on, Cassy and Rothbury enter into a cat and mouse game of feelings that is not only entertaining, but it reads like a truly well-crafted slow burn. I loved their story, and I loved the characters around them. Based on an Author’s Note, I have found out that Cassy’s friends were in fact real ladies who worked to uncover fossils and other scientific discoveries in Lyme Regis.

The Earl’s Lady Geologist is a clean romance, and one that can be shared with any historical romance lover, Jane Austen aficionado, or smart romance fan. If you need a break from angsty reads, and need just a whole-heartedly well-done love story, then Alissa Baxter’s latest release is the story for you.

Cassandra Linfield got her interest in geology from her scholarly father and has continued her studies since his death. She is set to come into her own fortune soon and has no intention of ever curtailing her freedom with marriage. When her aunt by marriage insists she accompany her to London for the Season, Cassy acquiesces and does her best to stay involved in the geological society, hiding that she is a woman, and avoiding the infuriating Lord Rothbury, her aunt’s son from her first marriage.

Lord Edward Sinclair, Earl of Rothbury, is a respected geologist and a cynic after an early disappointment in love. He no longer subscribes to romance and instead seeks a marriage of convenience now that he’s returned from his travels.

Since they share some family, Edward and Cassy frequently find themselves in one another’s company and he soon begins to see her as more than a mere convenience. But she’s as resistant to marriage as ever and it will take a life-threatening situation to help her put her priorities in order.

This book was well-written in the style of a proper, traditional Regency romance and obviously thoroughly researched. For me, it was a bit of a slog given the slow burn of this relationship, the lack of steamy scenes, and the heroine’s flightiness and inconsistency. I also found Edward to be rather disingenuous given how often he described Cassy as plain or naïve or something else unflattering and then professed to love her and think her beautiful. While believable enough, the turnaround seemed like something I’d expect from a callow schoolboy rather than a grown man. I found the language a bit stilted and though it certainly fit the time period, something about it made it difficult for me to become engrossed in the story. This issue wasn’t helped by the use of several different plot threads which cropped up to develop tension but were resolved too quickly to fully facilitate that effect. The extreme detail with which each nuance of the characters’ lives and routines was described stalled the pacing and jumps of several days or weeks at a time made the storyline feel rather disjointed. There was a lot of painstaking minutiae, but several passages in which nothing much happened and that had me losing interest rapidly. The heroine seemed overly dramatic and changeable to me but was characterized well. The hero came off as rather mercenary at first but with a tender yet wounded heart underneath and could’ve benefited from more development or characterization as he came off as rather one dimensional. Edward and Cassy both seemed to fall for each other gradually and then realize their feelings all at once, but Edward was rather high-handed and still arrogant in the end and I never felt like I really knew anything about him. Overall, this is a classy and well-researched regency which features a unique hobby and will likely be enjoyed by fans of proper romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The crop of books in the last month is slowly turning me into a historical romance reader. The Earl's Lady Geologist, which a year ago I wouldn't have bothered to pick up, was another I enjoyed, though it isn't my favorite of the bunch. I really appreciated Baxter's inclusion of history and science in this book. The banter was fine. Some of it felt contrived, but it never really distracted me from the story. The chemistry between Cassy and Edward was... all right. I wasn't in love with them as a couple, but neither was I appalled.

I don't know that I would bother to buy this one or read it again, but for anyone looking for a clean, historical romance with a deft touch of science and an independent protagonist, I would certainly recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Vinspire Publishing for the ebook ARC of The Earl's Lady Geologist. All opinions here are my own.

This is a delightful traditional Regency with some surprisingly seeming modern ideas. Baxter has been able to use real life circumstances of this time period to create situations that readers can easily identify without modern sensibilities being imposed on someone from the 19th century. It is fascinating to imagine woman discovering fossils in their long dresses. Cassandra is a passionate and likeable character that the reader can easily identify with her frustrations at being excluded from her field because she is a woman and her very realistic fear of marriage because of the threat to health and life due to pregnancy (something that is often brushed aside in Regency romances).

Lord Rothbury, a bit overbearing and obnoxious at times, recognizes Cassie’s intelligence and gifts, even asking her to collaborate on a paper with him. Cassie holds her own with lively banter and putting him in his place when he delivers a certain proposal like a list of advantages. Rothbury was burned by love in his youth and is determined never to fall in love again. Together, they must overcome their trepidations to live life to the fullest without being shackled by fears.

A slow burn smolders in this lively Regency but there are no scenes that would make you blush if caught reading in any audience. It may even shake up your view of the Regency world. This is my first read by Alissa Baxter but won’t be my last. Enjoy everyone.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This was a sweet regency romance. I love reading about scientist characters - especially women scientists. I felt as though the motivations of the leads could have been stronger and as such had a hard time investing. I also thought there were too many side characters that left me confused at times.

I can definitely see why some people would love this book, if you want some sweet, slow-burn with women going against the grain of the time, I would recommend you read.

I absolutely loved this sweet, funny and brilliantly researched romance. The characters were wonderful, the banter was witty and hilarious and the love story was totally swoonworthy. On top of that the backstory of geology in Regency Britain was fascinating. Delighted to see it is the first in a series too!

The Earl’s Lady Geologist

Cassandra Linfield, ‘Cassy’ is such a likeable character. She is a recently orphaned heiress, she lost her mother some time before but the loss of her father is recent. They were close, they shared a love for fossils, and their home in Lyme was the perfect place for uncovering new fossils. Although her understanding of fossils went way beyond my own, I saw how passionate she was about every aspect of them, they were important to her. And it endeared her to me, seeing such a passion.
Instead of focusing on marriage and society dances, she pursued her study of geology.
But aside from this, Cassy is very strong in her declarations to never marry. Even if she should fall in love, she will not marry. Cassy has some deep rooted reasons behind her vow, and I loved how they came to the surface throughout the story.

When Cassy is to have her coming out in London, Edward Rothbury (a cousin of sorts) is charged with keeping an eye on Cassy. He shares many of Cassy’s interests in geology. He has even written papers on the topic. But he takes his responsibility of watching over Cassy seriously and comes across as a bit of threat to her freedom. Not landing himself in the best light through Cassy’s eyes. But as they interact, and spend more time together his humour and other qualities come out and he wins us all over, even Cassy.

You can see a love growing between them before they even realize it, but Cassy’s determination to not marry proves to be a roadblock. Edward is not easily dissuaded, he knows what he wants and as an Earl he is accustomed to getting it. And he wants to marry Cassy. So he fights and fights and I loved his character for it. He knew the value in finding love and holding into it. (Putting him up there as one of the best book hero’s)

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. And I must say, Alissa Baxter did her homework. There is so much history and knowledge throughout the story. So much was inspired by actual history and women of that time. It was a joy to learn some new things and see new places.

Books like this one are why I enjoy reading so much. It is not just a romantic story, it paints a picture of what life was like in the 19th Century, and how beautiful the world is. We can learn about different professions, ones we may even think boring were it not for these passionate characters. There is a little bit of everything, even a little action!

I absolutely recommend this book. It is a clean romance, with some adorable and swoony romantic declarations. Give it a read! You will not regret it.
I cannot wait to read more of Alissa Baxter’s novels.

Thank you NetGalley and Vinspire Publishing for this complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review.